Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
(Jud 1:21-23 KJV)
The Real ER
In the fall of 1983, a Regional Trauma Center ER was bustling with all manner of diseased and injured men, women and children. The medical staff was competent and, with hurried determination, swiftly delivered aid to all in need. Knowing the waiting room was full, after six hours of non-stop duty there was relief knowing only six more hours remained for the night shift. As the hour grew late, the inflow would diminish. I was there and this is a true story.
The hospital operator announced through the hospital speaker system, “Trauma team to the emergency room. Trauma team to the emergency room.” This announced the soon arrival of a trauma victim, usually 5 to 10 minutes away.
The ER trauma team consisted of a trauma surgeon, the physician in charge of ER, a physician from ICU, a physician from surgical anesthesiology, a resident physician in ER training, the nursing supervisor, 3 ER registered nurses, a radiology technician, a lab technician, the ER social worker and a respiratory therapist. Each person had a specific location in reference to the trauma gurney and specific duties to perform.
At the head of the gurney was the respiratory therapist, whom I am. The anesthesiologist was standby for emergent airway complications and other assistance as needed. To the right was the trauma surgeon overseeing the patients care and assessing emergent needs with an RN assistant. To the left stood the ICU and ER physicians also assessing and establishing any required vital access to major veins and arteries with an RN assistant. The third RN was at the foot of the gurney charting all reported and observed procedures, medication orders administered and assuring frequent vital signs.
The resident physician observed and participated according to his or her level of training. The lab and x-ray technicians responded speedily to obtain their respective orders by the physicians. The social worker gathered personal information about the patient, contacting family and informing them frequently of the patient’s status.
The nursing supervisor coordinated the hospital preparation and response tailored to the patient’s needs. This included bed assignment, surgical team alert and other crucial services anticipated. In code blue traumas, the supervisor became the fourth RN assisting at bedside until the patient was stabilized or pronounced dead.
There was an adjacent room with a large glass window viewing the trauma room. Certain people observed from this area. In the room were several phones, long counter tops for paperwork charting and an x-ray viewing light box, just to name a few of its functions.
After a patient arrival, the paramedics and law enforcement personnel joined “visiting” medical staff from other hospital areas congregating in this room to observe the trauma team. Every participant avoided loud chatter and other disruptions to the focus, which was the patient. Everything was in order and every eye focused on the victim of the trauma.
In that year, 1983, and on that night a well-groomed and well-nourished African-American male arrived via paramedics at approximately 1 AM. The young man was 20 years old. He was in severe distress. He was combative in that he tried to sit upright while wildly flailing his muscular arms. He was having significant difficulty speaking and was in obvious severe respiratory distress.
Sedation medication was administered. The anesthesiologist secured his airway by intubation. I took over the airway care by delivering 100% oxygen via a resuscitation bag attached to the endotracheal tube. (An endotracheal intubation is placing a tube into the windpipe: trachea). I gave him 16-20 breaths per minute. Normal breathing rate is 8-12.
Two gunshot wounds were noted. One entry was to the right upper abdomen, over the liver, and the more significant wound site was a chest entry just below the right nipple.
During the course of this trauma, several significant and highly unusual events took place. When the x-rays were ready for viewing, everyone at the bedside rushed to see the damage on the viewer in the large room. There I was, alone with this young man. Doctors were analyzing, nurses were gather equipment and the closest person was 20 feet away. This had never happened prior nor ever again during a major trauma in my 25-year career.
He was sedated but awake. I looked into his eyes and saw the fear and confusion. I said, “You can not speak because of a breathing tube. I am here to help you. Just breathe and I will help you with each breath.”
He closed his eyes for a moment and upon opening, a single tear flowed down his right cheek. My heart was moved and I said, “Don’t be afraid. I am with you.”
He looked into my eyes and I saw a kindred spirit. As I looked at the team in the large room discussing the need for surgical intervention, I saw the concern in their faces as they glanced through the window assuring this young man continued his temporary stability.
I moved my head down and spoke in his ear. “Did your mama teach you about Jesus?” Lifting my head to see his eyes, he nodded yes as he tightly closed his eyes as though full of regret and wanting his mother. I quickly bent down as the team approached and said, “Keep your eyes on Jesus. He loves you and is with you.”
As I stood upright, always delivering each breath according to his need, I saw his spirit calmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit. All fear was gone. He smiled through his eyes and peace filled his soul. My own soul was comforted by seeing this extraordinary peace in him.
Five minutes later as we prepared to take him to surgery, his heart stopped and he was gone. Although we performed CPR for 20 minutes and opened his chest to attempt stopping internal bleeding, his hour had come. That was the beginning of my true ministry to the sick and dieing. I am now retired due to my own traumatic injury. Now I serve prisoners, like me, bound in their own homes... on the internet.
I recorded in a log that I responded to 487 traumas while on duty in 1983. After 25 years, the number of lives that touched my own is overwhelming and I could never count them from my memory. Because of Jesus, I will soon see that young man. Jesus will wipe the tears from my own eyes as I see all those I served, now whole and brand new. I hope and trust you will be there with me, dear reader.
Dear Christian, we all have gifts from the Holy Spirit. Do not be afraid to use them. The Bible tells us Jesus goes before us preparing the Way. Stay close to our Master and Savior. Listen to His instruction. His burden upon us is light.
God bless you all.
Gary Winship
Agape Touch
agapetouch blogspot
